To apply for an eTA Israel from the UK, visit the PIBA online portal at israel-entry.piba.gov.il, complete the form with your passport details, upload a bio-page image, and pay the 25 NIS fee. Most UK applications are processed within 72 hours, and the approved eTA Israel is delivered by email.
What Is the eTA Israel and Do UK Passport Holders Need It?
The eTA Israel (ETA-IL) is a mandatory electronic screening for visa-exempt nationals; all UK passport holders need one before boarding a flight to Israel.
The ETA-IL, or Electronic Travel Authorization, is managed by the Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) and has been required for all visa-exempt travellers, including UK citizens, since 1 January 2025. The authorisation is electronically linked to the holder’s passport; no physical document is issued. Once approved, the eTA Israel is valid for up to 2 years, or until the linked passport expires, whichever occurs first. It permits multiple entries with stays of up to 90 days per visit.
Dual Israeli-British nationals holding an Israeli passport are exempt. Other exemptions include holders of Israeli visas (A1-A5, B1, B3, B4), crew members on Crew APIS, US military with CAC, seamen with Seamen Book, and diplomats with official or service passports. Further details are available on the PIBA information page on gov.il.
What Documents and Information Do You Need Before Applying?
UK applicants need a valid passport, a passport bio-page image, an email address, and a payment card for the 25 NIS eTA Israel fee.
- Passport validity: at least 90 days (3 months) from the date of arrival in Israel. A JPEG or PNG image of the passport bio-page must be ready for upload.
- Fee: 25 NIS (approximately £5-6 GBP), charged in Israeli currency. Non-refundable once submitted, even if the request is denied.
- Payment cards: Visa, Mastercard, and Amex. UK-issued debit cards including Monzo, Revolut, Starling, and Wise are accepted without surcharge.
- Re-application triggers: obtaining a new passport, a change of name, a change of gender, or a change of country of citizenship requires a new eTA Israel application and a new 25 NIS fee.
- Session: the PIBA form has a 30-minute inactivity timeout with no save function. All entered data is deleted if the session expires.
How to Apply for eTA Israel from the UK: Step-by-Step Guide
The eTA Israel application involves eight steps on the PIBA portal: enter passport details, upload a bio-page photo, and pay 25 NIS.
Go to the PIBA portal
Visit israel-entry.piba.gov.il (verify the URL ends in .gov.il).
Select a new ETA-IL application
Choose the option to start a new application on the portal.
Enter passport data
Full name, date of birth, passport number, nationality, and expiry date exactly as printed.
Provide a valid email address
Enter the email where your approval will be sent.
Upload your passport bio-page image
JPEG or PNG format, clear and uncropped.
Enter your planned date of arrival in Israel
Provide the date you intend to travel.
Review all fields and accept the declaration
Tick the consent checkbox – this is the last chance to correct errors.
Pay 25 NIS by card
Visa, Mastercard, or Amex accepted.
Cannot be corrected after submission: a new eTA Israel application and a new 25 NIS fee are required. Each traveller, including children and infants, must submit a separate application and pay the fee individually.
How Much Does the eTA Israel Cost for UK Applicants?
The eTA Israel costs 25 NIS (about £5-6 GBP or less than 7 USD), is non-refundable once submitted, and every traveller, including children, needs a separate paid application.
The fee is charged in Israeli currency at the exchange rate on the day of payment. Third-party platforms such as Sherpa charge an additional $28 USD service fee on top of the 25 NIS government charge. The PIBA portal at israel-entry.piba.gov.il levies only the 25 NIS fee for the eTA Israel with no extra cost.
What Happens After You Submit Your eTA Israel Application?
After submitting the eTA Israel application, PIBA sends a confirmation email and processes most UK applications within 72 hours.
The automated eTA Israel system processes most UK applications within 72 hours; many UK applicants receive approval within 24 hours. If the approval email does not arrive, use the “resend approval” feature on the PIBA portal with your reference number, check spam, or contact [email protected] (24/7, English only). The PIBA automated call system is at +972-2-535-9740; the Government Central Support Center at 1299. PIBA recommends applying at least 72 hours before booking flights and hotels.
How Long Is the eTA Israel Valid and What Are the Entry Rules?
The eTA Israel is valid for up to 2 years, allows multiple entries with stays of up to 90 days per visit, but does not guarantee entry. The border control officer decides.
At Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport, UK arrivals with an eTA Israel receive an entry card instead of a passport stamp. Keep it with your passport until departure, as it serves as evidence of legal entry. The border control officer may ask about your stay, accommodation, and return ticket. Security checks may include baggage searches, requests for access to social media accounts, and devices may be withheld for several hours.
If entry is refused, your passport may be stamped with an entry stamp bearing two red lines and the text “Palestinian Authority only” or “Judea and Samaria only.” Refused travellers are returned on the next available flight to their point of departure. Check the FCDO travel advisory for current guidance on Gaza and border areas before travel.
How to Avoid eTA Israel Scams and Common Application Mistakes
Only use the PIBA portal at israel-entry.piba.gov.il for your eTA Israel application. Sites not ending in .gov.il are unofficial, and name mismatches are the top error.
Scam red flags: fees above 25 NIS, “guaranteed approval” promises, third-party intermediaries adding service charges, and non-.gov.il sites. The PIBA payment receipt showing 25 NIS is proof of legitimate use. Report scams to [email protected].
Common application mistakes: name mismatch with passport, incorrect passport number, blurry or cropped bio-page upload, expired passport (must be valid 90+ days from arrival), and wrong email address. No correction is possible after submission. A new eTA Israel application and fee are required.
eTA Israel vs. ETA-UK: What’s the Difference?
The eTA Israel (managed by PIBA) and the ETA-UK (managed by the UK government) are separate systems. Having one does not replace the other.
| Feature | ETA-IL (Israel) | ETA-UK (United Kingdom) |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Electronic Travel Authorization | Electronic Travel Authorisation |
| Managing body | PIBA, Israel | UK Government |
| Required for | Visa-exempt nationals travelling TO Israel | Non-UK nationals travelling TO the UK |
| Cost | 25 NIS (~£5-6) | Varies (non-refundable) |
| Validity | Up to 2 years or until passport expires | 2 years |
| Processing time | Within 72 hours | Within 3 working days |
British travellers visiting Israel need the eTA Israel; Israeli travellers visiting the UK need the ETA-UK.
FAQ: eTA Israel for UK Applicants
Can I use my Revolut or Monzo card to pay for the eTA Israel?
Yes. PIBA accepts Visa, Mastercard, Amex, and UK debit cards (Monzo, Starling, Revolut, Wise). The fee is 25 NIS (~£5-6).
How long does the eTA Israel take to process for UK applicants?
Up to 72 hours (many within 24 hours). Apply at least 72 hours before booking flights.
Do children need a separate eTA application for Israel?
Yes. Each traveller, including infants, needs a separate eTA Israel application and 25 NIS fee. No group payment.
What happens if my eTA Israel application is refused?
No formal appeal process documented by PIBA. Alternative: apply for a B2 tourist visa at the Embassy of Israel in London, 15 Old Court Place, London W8 4PL, UK. Phone: +44 20 7957 9500. Email: [email protected].
Can I apply for the eTA Israel at the airport or on arrival?
No. Airlines deny boarding without an approved ETA-IL linked to your passport.
Do transit passengers at Ben Gurion Airport need an eTA Israel?
Airside transit without passing Israeli passport control: likely no eTA Israel needed. Clearing border control to change terminals or collect luggage: eTA required.
What should I bring to the airport after my eTA Israel is approved?
Your valid UK passport used for the application. A printed approval email is optional but recommended as backup. No physical eTA document is issued.
Can unaccompanied minors apply for the eTA Israel independently?
Under 18: a parent or guardian should complete the application using the minor’s passport details. No documented age threshold for independent application exists on the PIBA portal.
Does the eTA Israel guarantee entry into Israel?
No. The border control officer at Ben Gurion decides; may ask about stay, accommodation, return ticket.
What if my name on the passport does not match my application?
Enter your name exactly as printed on your passport. Any mismatch may cause denial of boarding or refusal at the border. Submit a new eTA Israel application with correct details (new 25 NIS fee).
How to Apply for eTA Israel from the UK: Your Checklist for 2026
Before applying for the eTA Israel, ensure your passport is valid 90+ days beyond planned arrival, have a payment card ready, and apply at least 72 hours before booking travel expenses.
- UK passport valid for at least 90 days beyond arrival in Israel
- Passport bio-page image ready (JPEG or PNG)
- Valid email address for approval delivery
- Payment card ready (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, or UK debit)
- Apply at least 1 week before departure
Start your eTA Israel application at the PIBA portal. If the approval email is delayed, use the “resend approval” feature on the portal.
Last updated: 9 September 2026. Based on PIBA announcements and the UK government travel advice for Israel. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Always verify current requirements directly with PIBA or the Embassy of Israel in London before travelling.
